Official: no phones during school time

NEW LONDON – A Student Wireless Communication Devices policy passed its second reading at the June 24 New London Board of Education meeting, putting the policy in effect prior to the July 1 deadline mandated by the state of Wisconsin.
The first reading of the policy was approved by the board at its June 10 meeting.
According to the Topic Summary Sheet (TSS) in the meeting packet, “the policy was developed in response to the requirements of Wisconsin Act 42, which requires school districts to adopt a policy governing student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time.”
It was also stated in the TSS that prior to Act 42, a school board was not required to adopt rules prohibiting a student from possessing an electronic communication device while on school grounds.
Act 42, which was passed in 2025, “requires all public school boards, by July 1, 2026, to adopt a policy that prohibits students from using a wireless communication device, other than a school district-issued device, during instructional time. The policy may include consequences for a student who violates the policy, including confiscating the student’s wireless communication device for the remainder of the school day. The act requires that each school board annually provide each student with a copy of the board’s wireless communication device policy.”

It was noted in the TSS that “a school board may adopt a wireless communication device policy that is more restrictive than what is required under the act.”
Board Treasurer Mark Grossman said the district can continue to develop the policy in the future.
The policy
According to the approved Student Wireless Communication Devices policy that was approved by the board, “Students may not use personal wireless communication devices during instructional time.”
It also states, “Building principals or their designees may establish procedures regarding the possession, storage, and use of wireless communication devices during the school day.”
The policy states that students may use a wireless communication device during instructional time when:
• Responding to an emergency or perceived threat.
• Managing a healthcare need.
• Authorized through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or other approved accommodation.
• Authorized by a teacher for an educational purpose.
• Approved by a school administrator to support student safety, well-being, or educational needs.
Students who violate the policy may be subject to corrective action in accordance with the Student/Parent Handbook and applicable District disciplinary procedures.